Kabanata 26
Kabanata 26
SILENCE filled the whole room. My mouth parted and no one dared to talk. No one dared to even breathe.
What the fuck is happening?"
I saw Delilah smile softly and bowed her head a bit.
"Magandang gabi po," she greeted.
"Wait..." My forehead creased, my emotion in knots.
Anger, shock, pain–I don't know what I was supposed to feel.
"I-is this some kind of joke?" I snapped, my voice hard.
Papa closed his eyes, bago iyon ay nakita ko ang sakit sa mata niya at parang nadurog ang puso ko nang umiling siya sa akin.
"It's true," he said in a low voice.
Muli kaming natahimik na lahat. Damang-dama ko ang hapdi sa dibdib sa sakit ng paglagabog no'n. I was trying to control myself or else, I'd burst. I was already trembling in anger kaya sumandal ako sa sofa at humugot ng hininga.
Is this a nightmare? Can I fucking wake up now?
"I-I'm sorry..." Papa sighed and brushed his hair frustratedly, glancing at my mother who was only looking at him coldly.
Walang salitang namutawi kay Mama. Ni 'di ko mabasa ang reaksyon niya dahil hindi niya ipapakita ko pero alam ko. Alam kong sa loob-loob niya'y nadudurog na siya sa sakit.
Papa's eyes were so soft, sad and apologetic. Nakita ko ang nangingilid na luha niya at halos lumapit na kay Mama.
"K-Kaia, I'll explain—"
"You cheated me?" Mama's cold and pained voice filled the room.
Nangilid ang luha ko sa boses niya at gusto na lang siyang yakapin.
"N-no!" Papa gasped and shook his head. "I didn't! I could never—"
I gasped when Mama stood and slapped his cheek.
"Then whose child is that woman, Dash Rakiel?!" Mama screamed and my heart constricted in pain.
Lalapit sana ako para hawakan si Mama pero nahuli ni Kuya ang mata ko at kaagad akong inilingan. I closed my fist. My brother glanced at Delilah coldly and I caught the bitch hiding a smile.
I could kill right now.
"She's..." Papa sighed. "I-I had her before I met you. I-I didn't... I wouldn't cheat on you, Kaia." Sa kabila ng pamumula ng pisngi niya ay nakita ko ang pagsumamo sa mga mata niya.
"I-I swear to you." Napatayo na ako nang makita ko ang paghulog ng luha sa mga mata niya. "I-I swear to my life, I wouldn't do that to you. M-mahal na mahal kita, Kaia—please listen."
Mama stayed composed and serious yet she's in the verge of crying, kita ko ang panginginig ng balikat niya at ang pagkuyom ng kamay. Hindi niya sinagot ang Papa at sumulyap kay Delilah.
"Who are you?" she asked her formally and strictly, her voice strained.
"I-I'm Delilah Racquel Vicente, Ma'am..." Delilah's voice shook. "M-my mother used Racquel to remind her of my father, Dash Rakiel—"
"I am not asking where your name came from, I am asking who you are," mariing sabi ni Mama.
Mama's been serious. Nagalit na siya sa amin noon dahil pasaway at makulit kami ni Kuya but this is the very first time it was like this.
It was scary, chilling and painful. Ipinikit ko ang mata ko para pigilan ang luha.
"I'm D-Delilah po." I saw how tears filled her eyes. "I-I'm sorry po, I didn't mean to ruin your family, g-gusto ko lang naman pong magpakilala sa Papa ko—"
"I don't want to be rude, hija," Mama said. "But tell me who you are, who's your mother and why did you just show up right now? Kung anak ka ng asawa ko, you should've showed your face a long time ago."
"Kaia—"
"I don't need to hear you fucking sentiments right now, Sandejas." Mama pointed out and I saw Papa nodded, closing his eyes, nakita ko ang paghawi niya ng luha sa pisngi.
"I-I'm sorry po, Ma'am." I heard Delilah's pained voice but I could never possibly believe that.
That woman is an actress and a manipulator!
Hindi umimik si Mama, I was just standing right behind her, ready to protect her once this woman attack my mother.
"I'm Delilah Racquel Vicente po," she said. "A-and what Papa said was true..."
Papa, huh?
Mas kumalat ang pait sa bibig ko, tila nagbabalik ang galit at sakit na naramdaman ko no'ng una kong narinig sa kanya iyan.
Bumaling ako kay Papa at puno ng sakit sa mata niya. He closed his eyes tightly and tried touching Mama again pero mabilis siyang hinawi ni Mama.
"M-my Mother's Maryan Vicente and P-papa met her before he even met you. N-ngayon lang po ako nagpakita dahil nahihiya ako sa inyo and I was not planning to show up until she died." She sniffed, nahulog ang luha sa kanyang pisngi. "H-her last wish for me is to meet my father and—I don't want any trouble, gusto ko lang pong makilala ang pamilya ng P-papa ko..."
I could give her my sympathy but I couldn't. Ni wala akong maramdamang kahit ano para sa kanya ngayon.
"H-hindi ko naman po kayo g-guguluhin. Papa didn't cheat on you, Ma'am. That I could assure you. Nauna po ang Mama ko sa 'yo. I-I just want to be with my father and—"
"Then be with him," Mama said coldly and I was shocked too.
If my father was miserable earlier, he was devastated now.
"K-Kaia, I'm not—"
"Ma," I called my mother and touched her wrist. Nang sulyapan ako ni Mama ay walang emosyon ang mga mata niya but I know better because she's my mother. "L-let's sit, Ma." I said and slowly assisted her back on the sofa where we were sitting.
I saw Papa's pained expression while staring at Mama, bumaba ang hawak ko sa kamay ni Mama at naramdaman ko ang panginginig ng palad niya kaya hinaplos ko iyon.
"I-I love you, Mama," I whispered.
"What about DNA?" After a long silence, my Kuya Macky spoke.
Nakita ko kaagad ang pagkislap ng mata ni Delilah doon at mabilis na may inabot na envelope sa Kuya. My heart hammered inside my chest while Kuya's opening it.
"O-of course, Papa would demand a test and I obliged. We had a DNA test and he's really my father," Delilah said.
Tahimik si Mama sa tabi ko, she lowered her head to avoid looking at my father and his daughter. Her eyes are glassy and I'm sure she wanted to break down but was afraid to put her guards down so she bit her lip instead. She knew I was struggling, too for she squeezed my hand to stop me from breaking down too.
"You did the test ng isang beses lang?" Kuya's cold voice asked and Delilah nodded, pinching her fingers.
I realized it was my move and I haven't seen her doing that even once kaya mas kumunot ang noo ko at sumama ang loob.
Bumaling ako kay Papa, he looks lost, hindi makausap. Nakita kong nakasandal siya sa lamesa at nakatitig kay Mama.
It was as if her thought mattered the most to him that anyone else.
"Then we demand second opinion," my Kuya said and I saw Delilah stopped at that.
"W-why?" she asked. "A-are you doubting me? I didn't want to ruin your family, gusto ko lang naman makasama si Papa—"
"I am not doubting you, Miss Vicente," Kuya spat and checked something inside the envelope. "I see that you're older than me."
"Yes!" Delilah snapped. "I-I'm matured kaya bakit ko kayo lolokohin? Anong mapapala ko, right? I just want to meet my father's family—"
"Then, be matured enough, Miss," Kuya said. "Do another DNA test, this time, with us. I will pay for everything if you're worried about it. I know a lot of people specializing in tests like this—"
"No!" Delilah said. "Anong karapatan n'yong kwestiyunin ako? Papa, look at them, they're doubting me—"
"Y-you're my daughter, right?" Papa said painfully.
"Yes!" Delilah said. "And I don't get why—"
"Then don't be scared and do the test again. I think my family deserved it after everything," ani Papa. "I hope you understand. Please, cooperate, Lilah."
Kuya passed me the envelope, hindi naman sumagot si Lilah kaagad doon. I felt Mama rested her head on my shoulder and I sighed, binuksan ko ang envelope at nakita ang DNA test mula sa hindi ko kilalang ospital.
It was positive. Chineck ko rin ang birth certificate niya at nakitang mas matanda siya sa amin ni Kuya, telling me she's really Papa's daughter before she met my Mom, nakita ko ang pangalan ng Nanay niya.
Mother: Vicente, Maryan O.
My forehead creased and it pained me more upon seeing his father's name.
Father: Sandejas, Dash Rakiel A.
"O-okay," Delilah answered kaya umangat ang tingin ko sa kanya. "I'll do the second test with you but can I stay here in your house?"
I froze on the spot. Nakita ko ring natigilan si Papa roon.
She looked at him pleadingly.
"I-I don't have any family, Papa." She dried the tears falling down her cheek. "A-and I want to have someone with me p-pero kung ayaw n'yo po, I understand. A-ayos lang po na mag-isa ako—"
"Then live here as you please," bumaling sa kanya si Mama.
"Ma..." I called pero sumulyap lang siya kay Papa.
"Live here and have some quality time with your father. You wouldn't want to miss that, right, Dash?" She grimaced.
"K-Kaia..." Papa called.
"Excuse me, I have some work to do," Mama said coldly but Papa grabbed her wrist.
"K-Kaia, please..." Papa's soft voice said. "L-let's just talk—"
"Not now," Mama said and pulled her hand away from him. Walang lingon-lingon na lumabas siya ng opisina at padarag na isinara ang pinto.
Nakita ko ang pagtayo ni Kuya mula sa upuan niya at walang salitang lumabas, nang makaalis siya ay napabaling ako kay Papa na nakatitig sa akin.
"P-princess..." he called me.
"If you're my father's daughter, why would you do it to me?" malamig na tanong ko kay Delilah na mukhang nagulat sa sinabi ko.
"I-I'm sorry, I-I was just jealous na k-kasama mo si Papa noon—"
"No, Lilah," I said and stood, almost on the verge of bursting out my anger.
"Daru..." Papa called pero hindi ko siya pinansin.
"If you are his daughter and you meant no harm to my family, why would you spread my naked painting?" I spat.
Delilah froze on the spot, misko si Papa ay nagulat din. Then, a knot formed in his forehead as he critically moved his gaze to Delilah. His jaw clenched.
"Is that true, Delilah?" Papa asked.
"No!" She gasped. "O-of course not! Ni hindi ko nga alam na may gano'n. I didn't do it!" she defensively said kaya bumaling sa akin si Papa.
"Do you have evidence, Darshana?" Papa asked, his voice calculating and soft.
I shook my head and sighed.
"S-see?! Look, Papa, pinagbibintangan niya ako—"
"Stop talking, Delilah. My head's spinning," ani Papa at nakita kong umawang ang labi ni Lilah. Papa remained staring at me.
"P-princess..." he called me. "Can you talk to Mama and..."
"I'll try," I said and stared at my father. "But I can't promise you, Papa. Kung nasasaktan na ako, paano pa si Mama?"
Bigong-bigo ang ekspresyon niya. Bumuntonghininga ako at nailing bago sila iniwan sa loob ng opisina.
Pagkalabas ko ay nakita ko ang Kuya na nasa tapat ng opisina sa labas at may kausap sa telepono, the moment he saw me, mabilis siyang may sinabi sa kausap at ibinaba ang telepono.
Nangilid ang luha ko, tinakbo ko ang Kuya at kaagad niya inilahad ang braso niya para mayakap ako pabalik. I buried my face on his neck.
"K-kuya..." I called. He sighed, touched my hair, and kissed my head.
"Hindi ko kayo papabayaan, okay?" he breathed, bakas ko rin ang sakit sa mga boses. "I'll protect you and Mama, I'll help Papa fix this."
I closed my eyes tightly, halos magusot ko na ang damit ni Kuya roon.
"S-si Mama?" I whispered.
"Inside her room." He sighed, humiwalay ako sa kanya at tinitigan siya.
"T-the kids?" I asked and he licked his lip, nakita kong inabot noya ang pisngi ko at may hinawi roon.
"In my house," he told me. "The twins are with Dette, si Cookie?"
"Nasa Yaya..."
Napatitig siya sa 'kin bago tumango.
"Don't cry, hmm?" he hummed. "I think you should check on Mama first."
I slowly nodded, tinulungan ko si Kuya na alisin ang nahulog sa pisngi ko. Hinatid niya ako sa tapat ng kwarto nina Mama, he kissed my head and left.
I sighed hard, calming myself. Ayaw kong ipakita ang lungkot ko kay Mama, takot na madagdagan pa ang bigat na nararamdaman niya.
"C-calm down, Daru..." I whispered to myself and closed my eyes. "You can do it."
After a few moments, I knocked on the door.
"Ma?" I called. "This is Daru, can I come in?"
I heard no answer kaya pinihit ko na ang pintuan. "Ma, pasok ako, ah?"
I entered their room and I noticed the silence inside. Wala si Mama sa kama kaya kumunot ang noo ko, I saw the open terrace kaya naglakad ako palapit doon.
Ilang hakbang pa lang ang nagagawa ko ay narinig ko na ang hikbi mula roon. My heart broke hearing my mother's cries. Mabilis akong humakbang palapit at halos manghina na nang makita si Mama na nakaupo at may hawak na baso ng wine.
My mother didn't like liquor that much and seeing her now... nahulog na naman ang luha ko.
In front of her is the opened bottle. She closed her eyes and I saw another batch of tears falling down her cheek.
"M-mama?" I called. She stopped, mabilis siyang napalingon sa akin at nahuli ko kung paano kumislap ang mata niya sa luha.
"D-Daru?"
"Mama..." A sob left my lips as I ran to her and embraced her tightly.
She sobbed loudly when she hugged me with her one arm. Nanginginig ang kanyang katawan habang isinusubsob ang mukha sa aking leeg.
"D-Daru..." she sniffed.
"M-mama, I'm sorry..." I whispered.
"Y-you don't have to apologize for anything, o-okay?" she said, shaking. "I-I'm sorry, I-I'm sorry Mama is so weak. D-dapat ako ang malakas kasi M-mama n'yo ako pero ako naman itong..."
"Y-you're one of the strongest person I know, okay, Ma?" Lumayo ako kay Mama at sa kabila nang nanlalabong mga mata ay hinanap ko ang kanya. "You're so strong, Mama. M-mahal na mahal ka namin, okay?"
"S-sorry, anak..." She bit her lip and lowered the wine glass.She frustratedly brushed her hair. Itinakip niya ang palad sa kanyang mukha at mas humikbi.
"D-dapat malakas ako p-pero ang sakit-sakit," Mama whispered. "Y-your Papa w-would never cheat on me b-but still, m-may anak siya sa iba. I-I'm just... I don't know..."
"Kuya will conduct another test, okay? I-I don't want to believe that fast, y-you know how much I hated Delilah, right?" I told her. "A-ayokong maniwala... m-masaya na ako sa atin, eh. W-we have Kuya, we have Dette."
Mama sniffed, drying her tears but it won't stop. Nanginginig pa ang kamay niyang inabot ang bote ng wine para lagyan ang wine glass kaya hinuli ko iyon.
"L-let me, Ma," I said and carefully took it from her. "You don't drink much. Are you sure?"
"I just want to forget..." Mama said, almost a whisper. "I-I just want to forget the pain. A-ang sakit kasi, 'nak. I-I don't even know if I could talk to your father after this."
We both sighed, hinawi ko ang luha ko at ipinikit ang mata. I felt the cold air touch my face but it was nothing to the heat I'd been feeling in my heart burning in pain and shock.
I saw another empty glass beside the wine bottle, kaagad ko iyong kinuha at nilagyan ng wine. Diretsong ininom ko rin iyon at napasulyap kay Mama.
"Where's Cookie, anak?" She even managed to ask.
"He's..." I sighed and reached for her cheek to dry her tears. "He's with his Papa. I told him about his father, Ma," I confessed.
Mama's eyes widened.
"What do you mean?"
"It's his birthday today, right?" I trailed off. "I asked him what he likes for his birthday and he told me he wants his Papa so I... do you think I did the right thing?"
"Of course, princess." I saw Mama smiled despite her tears. "You did the right thing, Cookie deserves to know his Papa. You're strong, my baby. I'm proud of you." She reached for me and kissed my cheek kaya napapikit ako at unti-unting ipinaikot ang kamay sa baywang niya.
"I love you, Ma," I hummed. "A-and I'm sorry this has to happen to you. P-please remember na kahit anong mangyari, Kuya, Dette and I—we'll stand by your side, always."
"I-I know your Papa didn't want this to happen, too. D-Delilah, that kid. If what she said is true, n-nauna ang Mama niya kaysa sa akin."
"Ma..."
"I-it's hard being a single mother, ang Lola mo, ganyan sa amin dati ng mga Tito at Tita mo kaya s-sa tingin ko may karapatan namang makilala ni Delilah si Dash p-pero ang s-sakit lang..." Mama began shaking again. "A-ang sakit na akala ko ayos na ang lahat kaso g-ganito..."
"W-will you accept her, Ma?" my voice shook.
"A-alam ko namang hindi ako ang unang babae sa buhay ng Papa mo, I-I met him when he was blind pero noong kabataan niya ay w-wala pa ako. He probably fooled around and I accepted that part of his life. K-kasi mahal ko, eh." She sniffed. "P-Papa mo 'yon, mahal na mahal ko 'yon..."
"'D-di pa naman sigurado, p-paano kung pinaglalaruan lang tayo?" I asked and she shook her head at me.
"P-paano kung sigurado nga?" Mama stared at me. "W-we didn't know what happened, anak. I-it must be her playing with us or the fate playing with our lives. I-I don't know..."
Niyakap ko nang mahigpit si Mama habang humihikbi siya sa balikat ko.
"M-mahal na mahal ko ang Papa mo p-pero ang sakit-sakit..." she cried. "M-mahal na mahal ko si Dash a-at alam kong gano'n din siya. Y-your Papa didn't fail in making me feel that everyday."
"M-ma, I'm sorry..." I cried, hindi na rin alam ang sasabihin at gagawin.
"B-but I would never give your Papa to anyone, I-I'd never give him to another family," she whispered like an oath.
"I-I don't want it, too..." I shook my head desperately. "P-Papa ko 'yon, sa atin lang siya..."
"W-why does this have to happen to us?" Mama muttered. "W-why?"
I couldn't tell her an answer. Mariin akong pumikit at mas niyakap si Mama.
"T-tomorrow will be better, Ma," I whispered and touched her back. "H-hindi man bukas talaga but there's this one tomorrow that can make everything better."
Sinamahan ko si Mama na uminom ng wine. We had that comfortable silence between us but still, it was filled with sadness. Everything is still a shock to us, ang paglitaw ni Delilah at ang sinabi sa amin ni Papa.
When my Mama told me she was sleepy, I brought her to the bed and kissed her head goodnight.
"P-please tell your father not to come in, hmm?" she hummed.
"Po?"
"I don't..." She sighed and shook her head. "I-I don't want to see him. Not now."
I slowly nodded and bid her goodbye after I made sure she's lying comfortably in the bed. Sinuklay ko ng daliri ang buhok ko bago sumulyap sa orasan at nine na pala ng gabi.
Kumusta na kaya ang mag-ama ko?
I opened the door to get out of the room but to my shock, I saw my father sitting outside, just beside the door. I saw him standing abruptly when he saw me coming out, his eyes still bloodshot and his clothes are crumpled.
"P-princess..." he called when he stood in front of me, nakita ko ang pagsilip niya sa pintuan pero mabilis ko iyong isinara. "A-ang Mama mo?"
"She said... she said na ayaw ka pa raw niya makausap." I sighed. "H'wag ka raw muna pumasok, Pa."
I saw how broken his expression was. He lowered his head and pulled his hair and cursed.
"Fuck!" he gasped. "T-this is all my fault."
I watched him weakly lowering himself back to the place where he was sitting earlier. Naupos siya sa lapag at ibinaon ang kanyang mukha sa tuhod.
Mas sumikip ang puso ko na ganyan siya. Nakita ko ang paggalaw ng balikat niya at mayamaya'y umiyak kaya suminghap ako.
"P-pa..." My voice broke, mabilis akong naupo sa lapag, sa kanyang tabi at inabot ang batok niya para yakapin.
"I-I've hurt your mother..." he said like a kid. "N-nasaktan ko na naman siya, p-palagi ko na lang siyang nasasaktan." He sobbed.
Tumingala ako para pigilan ang luha sa mga mata ko. "Y-you should give her some time to cool down first, m-mahal ka ni Mama, Pa. She's just hurt right now."
"G-gago kasi ako..." he sobbed. "I-if only I didn't fool around when I still haven't met her, I wouldn't be in this type of situation."
Hindi ako nakaimik.
"S-sorry, Princess..." Papa moved away and stared at me with his sad eyes. "I-I'm sorry that your Papa's always disappointing everyone, s-sorry kasi palagi ko na lang kayong nasasaktan."
"No one wanted this to happen," I whispered and sniffed, reaching for my Papa's cheek to dry his tears. "We are all hurt, a-ako, si Kuya, l-lalo na si Mama. I haven't seen her that frustrated b-before, she didn't drink much too but now..."
"W-what did she tell you, Princess?" he asked. "H-hihiwalayan na ba niya ako?"
"Pa..." I sighed, didn't know what to tell him.
"I-is she going to leave me?" he asked me desperately, looking answers in my eyes. "A-are you all leaving me?"
"I-I don't know, Pa. You should just ask her—"
"N-no, please no..." Tuloy-tuloy na nahulog ang luha sa kanyang pisngi, desperadong-desperado. "P-please, please don't leave me. A-anak, h'wag n'yo akong iwan. P-parang-awa n'yo na..."
"Papa..."
"I-I didn't cheat on your mother, I swear." He sounded so desperate. "I-I'd never do that to her, p-please. M-mahal na mahal ko kayo, m-mahal na mahal ko ang Mama n'yo. I'd be willing to just kill myself than to hurt this family."
"Don't say that!" I exclaimed but he shook his head.
"I-I'll do anything... j-just tell me what to do. 'D-di ko kakayanin kapag m-mawawala kayo. I-I don't know how to function well if Kaia isn't here. She made me the man I am today, Darshana and I-I don't want to lose her." My eyes widened when he knelt beside me. "H-h'wag n'yo ako iwan, please don't... please don't leave me alone. 'Di ko kakayanin, anak. K-kayo ang buhay ko..."
I couldn't do anything but to cry with my father again, I pulled his nape down and hugged him and he cried on my shoulder, whispering his apologies. Kung hindi pa siguro dumating ang Kuya ay hindi pa kaming matitigil na dalawa roon sa labas ng pintuan kung nasaan si Mama.
"Here, calm down you two... naiiyak din tuloy ako." Kuya sighed and sat beside us on the floor. Inabutan niya kami ng baso ng tubig na kaagad naming ininom ni Papa.
"Sorry, Marcus." Papa sighed and glanced at my brother. "I-I'm sorry that I keep on disappointing this family. I-I'm doing my best to keep us happy pero sa huli ako lang pala ang nagdadala ng sakit."
"We all have issues in life, Papa. Lahat tayo may dalang problema sa bahay," ani Kuya at bumuntonghininga. "Ako, noong biglang nagpakasal at may kambal, si Daru noong nabuntis. Tapos ikaw..."
We all sighed.
"We didn't do anything but to bring Mama problems," I mumbled sadly. "S-she didn't deserve this, you know? M-mahal na mahal tayo ni Mama pero sa huli nasasaktan lang natin siya."
"You two are still young, sorry kung nagalit din ako sa inyo noon. I-I understand we all make mistakes but what I brought in this family is just... it's too much to take in." Papa breathed, natulala na sahig.
"Kampon nga tayo ni Dash Rakiel, Darshana," ani Kuya na natawa pa kaya ngumuso ako at tumango, sumandal ako sa balikat ni Papa na nasa gitna namin ni Kuya.
"I hope Dette would be like Mama," I said, "I hope she'll be kind-hearted, I hope she'll be like Mama. Mama's heart is gold and she didn't deserve this kind of pain."
"I should be making her happy," Papa whispered and pulled his hair frustratedly. "Tang ina, ang gago ko lang noon."
"I was just like you, Pa," Kuya Macky was chuckling now, a lone tone in his laughter. "Kaya nga ako nagkakambal, of course, I love the twins and I'm glad they're with me now, they're my blessings. Still, it shocked the hell out of me."
"I was young, a bit playful." Papa sighed. "Nagseryoso lang naman ako sa buhay noong naaksidente ang pamilya at nawala ang Tita Zidney n'yo. Hinayaan ako ni Dad na mag-isang itaguyod na ang airport na sinimulan nila ni Mommy, doon na ako nawalan ng oras sa ganyan and I found out years later na ipapakasal ako para isalba ang kompanya noong nagkaproblema. I got into an accident and that's when I met your Mom."
I heard the genuine sadness and desperation in it.
"Y-your mother... she made me a better person. I was a man full of pride, masama ang ugali ko, hindi nag-iisip bago magsalita, matigas ang ulo ko. Ayaw ko nga kumain ng gulay kahit anong ngudngod ni Mommy Lena sa bibig ko pero naalala ko noon, willing na willing akong kumain no'ng pinakbet kahit nakakasuka para lang makasabay ko kumain ang Mama n'yo..."
He sniffed again. "Partida, birthday ko 'yon pero pinakain ako ng gulay ng Mama n'yo..."
It made my brother and I laughed, nakita ko ang ngiti ni Papa na tila inaalala iyon.
"Your mother's a Godsent to me. S-she's an angel, k-kahit anong kasalanan ko noon, kahit nasaktan ko siya noon pinatawad niya ako." He sniffed. "P-pero ngayon? I don't even know if she'll be able to forgive me, n-nakakagago 'yong nangyari."
"You two should talk, Pa," Kuya Macky said. "Just please give Mama some time and space to think. Don't force her to talk to you now that she's fragile and in pain. You know, Mama. Tahimik lang iyan madalas pero nasasaktan na pala. Let her breathe first, kung kami ngang mga anak mo, nagulat at nasaktan sa nangyari, paano pa kaya si Mama?"
"I'm sorry, mga anak..." Papa dried his tears falling down his cheek. "Ang gago ng Tatay n'yo, s-sorry..."
"We have to get her check again, malay mo naman at may mali lang sa test?" ani Kuya roon.
"I-it's just too sudden, she came to me one time when I was about to go home. Pinaalis ko nga dahil naalala ko ang nangyari noon sa kanila ni Darshana and then, she suddenly opened up about that. Of course, why would I believe she's my daughter? I never cheated on your Mom, I would never ever think of risking this family I worked hard to keep for temporary entertainment. Daddy Jer taught us not to be an asshole like that. H-hindi ko gagawin sa Mama n'yo 'yon, 'di ko gagawin 'yon kung ang kapalit ay mawawala kayo sa aking pamilya ko..."
"You could've asked me for help, Pa," ani Kuya sa kanya.
"I-I panicked, lalo na no'ng nalaman kong mas matanda siya sa inyo ng kapatid mo. She told me I had her when I was young kaya napaisip na ako. She said she's willing to have DNA test if I won't believe her kaya pumayag ako."
"I saw you two together, you know?" I said and I saw how the two shifted their gazes at me. "S-sumakay si Delilah sa sasakyan mo tapos umalis kayo."
"P-princess..."
"It pained me, Papa," I confessed. "I was so hurt, naalala ko kasi 'yong sinabi niya noon sa akin na sinabi mo raw na s-sana siya na lang ang anak mo kaysa sa akin tapos ganito ngayon."
"I never said that, okay?" Papa sighed and slowly reached for my hand. "Kahit anong galit ko, hinding-hindi ko hihilinging hindi na lang sana ikaw ang anak ko, okay?"
I nodded and sighed.
I know...
Mas sinandal ko ang ulo sa balikat ni Papa at naramdaman ko ang halik niya sa kamay ko.
"I love you, Darshana," he sighed. "Mahal na mahal kayo nina Dette, Kuya mo at ang Mama n'yo. That was the time she asked me for a DNA and we did have it, tapos kanina ko lang nalaman ang resulta. She gave it to me and—"
"That's the reason why we have to take a second test," Kuya pointed out. "I was mad too after knowing that but I remained calm. Naalala ko ang ginawa no'ng babaeng 'yon sa kapatid ko, Pa."
"P-paano kung kapatid n'yo nga? You know I wouldn't run for my responsibility. If she's indeed my daughter then I will compensate and do my part as a father—"
"I-if she's my sister then ano bang magagawa ko?" I muttered. "I-I just want to make my Mama feel better, Papa. Ayokong nasasaktan ang Mama. Kung anak mo siya at kapatid ko nga, t-tatanggapin ko naman, eh. Kahit mahirap. Just don't hurt Mama anymore."
"I'll do anything just so she could accept me again," Papa said softly. "M-mahal na mahal ko ang Mama n'yo. I-I know it's hard accepting na may anak ako sa pagkabinata p-pero sana, I hope you find in your hearts to forgive me for all the wrong things I did. S-sana matanggap n'yo rin si Delilah." Natahimik siya at napaisip. "I think she's sick, I think she needs medical attention."
"It will take time for that to happen but we'll work it out. Right, Darsh?" Kuya asked kaya tumango ako sa kanya.
"Basta, Papa. I am telling you, once that woman did or attempted to do anything to harm this family. If that woman would do anything to hurt Mama, Darshana and anyone in this family. I wouldn't think twice and I will take them away. Kung hindi mo kaya, ako ang poprotekta sa kanila." Matapang na sabi ni Kuya. Papa smiled at him and nodded.
"Go, son. Be strong because your father's a piece of shit and a coward," Papa agreed and tapped his back. "I'm giving you the right to punch my face to wake me up, okay? I'm trusting you to protect our family if I fail to."
–
I was shocked when I saw Kuya Zion outside to drive me home, Kuya Macky went home to the kids after warning Papa not to bother our mother for now. Papa promised he'd give her space for now bago kami umalis.
"Sa condo mo ba, ganda?" Kuya Zion smiled. I sighed.
"Uh, no, Kuya. Can you take me here?" I showed him the address.
"Saan 'yan? Si Cookie the cutie, nasaan?" He glanced at me kaya nakagat ko ang labi at bumuntonghininga.
"Uhm... he's with her father. U-uh, it's his house where we're headed, actually," I said and laughed awkwardly.
"Ay weh?" Umawang ang labi ni Kuya at nanlaki ang mata. "Alam ba ni Marcus-beybe 'yan?!"
"Uh, no..." I bit my lip and stared at him. "Secret muna natin, Kuya, please? I know you two are bestfriends but, can we keep this a secret first, please?"
"Naku, magagalit ang beybe ko n'yan," ani Kuya kaya kumalabog na ang puso ko at pinagdikit ang palad ko at kumurap-kurap.
"Sige na, Kuya. Please? Love mo naman ako, 'di ba? Sige na, please... please!" I gave him a cute smile and adorable eyes kaya suminghap siya.
"Don't use those puppy eyes on me—"
"Please? Ikaw ang pinakagwapo sa lahat ng magpipinsan!" I exclaimed at nakita kong natigilan siya. Suddenly, he smirked and I knew I won.
"Ay, sa true ba?" he asked kaya ngumisi ako at tumango.
"Opo, Kuya. Ikaw ang pinakagwapo." I pointed out, trying to hide my smile.
"Kahit sa Kuya mo?" He glanced at me suspiciously kaya ngumisi ako at nag-thumbs-up.
"Opo, secret lang pero ikaw ang pinakagwapo sa lahat!" I beamed. His brow shot up, kita ko ang tagong ngiti niya bago tumango.
"Okay, madali naman akong kausap." He laughed when I raised my hand in glee. Napailing si Kuya at binalingan ako. "But please, tell your brother, okay? Pati kay Tito. It's hard having misunderstanding, you know that."
"Okay!" I smiled.
"And... is it okay if I'll give your family guards?" ani Kuya kaya nanlaki ang mata ko ang nilingon siya.
"Why?"
"We realized someone got out of jail years ago and the reason why this might be happening." Kuya smiled coldly. "And Marcus called about that Delilah, ang kapatid mo?"
"She's not my sister," I said and sighed. "I refused to believe it until I got another DNA test from us."
"Dad's been working on it, don't worry," Kuya reassured. "But I'm giving you guards, okay? Your whole family, everyone actually. You wouldn't know they're there, they'll watch you from afar, checking your safety."
"Salamat, Kuya." I was so thankful for them. "It's just... everything's a shock for us. Nasasaktan si Mama. You know we treasured her so much, right?"
"We'll keep anyone safe, nalaman kong sa bahay n'yo titira ang Delilah?" I slowly nodded at him.
"I am worried of Dette and Mama's safety kapag nandoon na 'yon. I know Papa wouldn't let that happen but we're not so sure, right?"
"I'm dispatching men for the mansion disguised as workers, you don't have to worry. Tita Reah's a strong woman. She can handle that woman just fine."
When I got to Chance's house, I was startled when I saw him waiting for me outside his house. He's seated in the pavement, nakatungo at may kinakausap na kuting pero nang makita ang sasakyan na papalapit ay kaagad na napatayo.
The car stopped, nakita ko ang pagbukas ni Chance ng pintuan sa side ko at kaagad na nagliwanag ang mata niya nang makita ako.
"You're back," he said and offered me his hand.
"Sorry natagalan." I smiled and accepted him. Inalalayan niya ako palabas. Kuya Zion went outside too to check on me.
"Darshana—" I saw Kuya froze when he saw who's with me. "Chance! Pare!"
I saw Chance smiled, shocked too, nakita kong nag-apir ang dalawa at ngumisi si Kuya Zy.
"Nandito ka pala, dito rin si Darshana, eh. What a coincidence." He laughed.
Natigilan kaming dalawa ni Chance at nakita ko kung paano natigilan si Kuya Zion, nagpapalit-palit ang tingin niya sa akin at kay Chance bago bumaba ang tingin sa kamay namin.
I realized I was still holding Chance's palm kaya suminghap na ako at akmang hihilahin nang mabilis na pinagsaklop niya ang daliri naming dalawa.
"What the fudgee bar..." Kuya Zy slowly covered his mouth with his palm. "D-don't tell me..."
"Yes." Chance smiled and nodded. Kuya Zy's jaw dropped.
"Ay, sheyt na malagket?! Papa ni Cookie ang pinsan ni Alchiel-taba?!" he exclaimed loudly at napangiwi ako nang natawa si Chance.
"You call him taba?" I saw Chance's amused smile.
"Ah, oo, tabachoy kasi no'ng bata." He smiled pero nanlaki ulit ang mata. "Seryoso ba? Ikaw Papa ni Cookie na cutie?!"
"Yes, Kuya," I confirmed pero nakanganga lang sa amin ang Kuya Zy.
I cleared my throat.
"I know you two know each other but... Chance, this is my cousin, Zion," I reintroduced.
"Nice meeting you again, Zy," he greeted.
"Uhm, Kuya, this is Chance." I smiled. "Grandpa ko."
Chance, like usual, glared at me. Nanlalaki lang ang mata ni Kuya Zion sa akin kaya bigla akong natawa at inangat ang kamay kong hawak ni Chance.
"Kuya Zy, bless ka kay Lolo," I teased but then screamed while laughing when Chance tickled me.
"I apologize for her—"
"A-ayaw na, isa nga, Chance!" I hissed and smacked his arm pero pumalibot pa iyon sa baywang ko.
"Cookie missed you, baby—"
"Uh, excuse naman." Kuya Zy cleared his throat, stopping us, napatingin kami sa kanya. "Excuse pero sana mahiya naman?"
"Huh?" We asked in unison.
"Respect the single," ani Kuya na ngumuso sa amin. "Tagalugin ko na, respeto sa single."
Napaisip ako. Is he fine? Or baka naman bitter-bitter lang kunwari?
Loko-loko 'to si Kuya, eh. Akala mo sawi eh, happy naman always?
"Aren't you with—"
"Walang forever." Ngiwi niya at umirap sa amin. "Makalayas na nga at nakakapangit ng gabi!" he exclaimed and walked out kaya napatawa kaming dalawa ni Chance sa kanya.
I didn't ask Chance to wait for me but he did. Napatulog niya si Cookie pagkatapos daw ang isang oras na bardagulan ng dalawa.
"He's too fond of biting, you're right," ani Chance na ininit ang pagkain at inilagay sa harapan ko.
"Thanks for watching him, Chance,"
"No worries," he said, kinuha pa niya ang juice sa ref at nilagyan ako sa baso. "It's you I should thank for telling me about him. It's such an honor you let him meet me." Naupo siya sa tabi ko at marahang inayos ang tikwas ng buhok ko.
My heart pounded at that, bumuntonghininga ako at inantay siyang matapos at nang makakuha ng tiyansa ay marahang isinandal ang mukha ko sa balikat niya. He froze but recovered and touched my shoulder.
"What's the matter? Daru?" he asked carefully.
"M-may problema lang sa bahay..."
"Is there anything I could do to help?" he asked, slowly touching my hair. Mas hinila niya ang upuan sa akin para mas makalapit ako sa kanya.
"Si... Delilah," I whispered.
He tensed.
"Delilah? What?" Tumalim ang boses niya. "She's back? I thought she'll stop? What did she do? Did she hurt you?" Mabilis niyang inabot ang pisngi ko kaya umiling ako.
"No... not physically." I sighed. "I-I'm just... did she tell you anything about my family?"
"She hates your family, Darshana," he told me. "That's what she specifically told me. What did she do this time?"
"Turns out... she's allegedly my sister,"
"What the hell?" he cursed and faced me, cupping my cheek. His brown eyes were filled with genuine concern. "Is that true? How did that happen? She didn't tell me anything about that part of her life—"
"Papa..." I whispered. "A-anak daw siya ni Papa."
"He cheated on your mother?" Halos magsalubong ang kilay ni Chance. "That's beyond impossible, Delilah's just about my age. We're classmates, remember? She's my friend before kaya impossibleng—"
"Anak siya ni Papa sa pagkabinata." He was stunned. I sighed."I-I don't know what to do..."
"How about DNA?" he asked me.
"They already did that," I said. "M-mama cried, you know? M-masakit sa akin pero mas masakit kay Mama. I'd never seen her cry like that before. She's... I can't see her like that, nasasaktan ako."
I found myself emotional again.
"Fuck..." Chance cursed and reached for me. "I didn't like my mother crying like that either so I understand you, okay? What can I do to help? I'm willing to tell you whatever I know. Just tell me. How about another DNA?"
"We're in the process of doing it," I mumbled. "N-nasasaktan ako, Chance. A-ayaw kong gano'n ang Mama ko... n-natatakot ako para sa pamilya, s-sa amin ni Cookie."
I don't want to be weak but seeing Chance right now, I couldn't help but to let go.
Maybe because I was so comfortable with him that I knew he wouldn't judge, that he'd offer his shoulder for me to lean on instead. That it's okay to be fragile because... it was him.
"Shh, I'm here, okay?" he hummed softly and dried the tears on my cheek. "I'll help you in any ways I could, I will contact Alchiel right away, hmm?"
I slowly nodded, like a kid, pinunasan ko ang luha ko gamit ang braso at hinuli niya ang kamay ko at siya na ang nagpunas sa luha ko.
"Everything will be fine, hmm? I'll help you, okay? I'm just here, I will protect you and Cookie. I swear, I'll protect you with my life," he reassured, planting a kiss on my forehead before hugging me tight.
Days passed and I found out Delilah started living in our mansion. I was so afraid for my mother and sister pero pinaalam sa akin ni Kuya na ayos ang lahat sa bahay. Wala madalas si Mama sa bahay at nasa university. Dette is with the twins and Queen Scira.
Kapag mag-isa sa bahay si Delilah ay sinisigurado nila na may nagmamasid sa kanyang galaw. Everyone is busy and doing anything, I got calls from my uncles and aunties, hindi rin nagdalawang-isip ang mga pinsan kong samahan ako kapag kailangan ko sila and Chance... Chance is always there for me kahit hindi pa kami ayos at hindi pa nakakapag-usap ng matino.
He respected it when I told him I was not ready yet to talk about us and understood it.
"Kumusta, Kuya?" I asked my brother, kakatanggal pa lang niya ng necktie sa uniform na suot.
"Great." Kuya sighed and kissed my forehead. "You?"
"Doing good din, hindi pa rin sila nag-uusap ni Mama?"
"Not yet," Kuya answered. "Mama's still mad, ako nagsusundo kay Mama sa university pagkatapos ng klase niya kasi ayaw niyang makita si Papa. You know Papa's following her around, right?"
"Hmm, I heard he cried again? Dette asked me last time, sabi niya bakit daw umiiyak si Papa at nakaluhod sa harap ni Mama." I sighed sadly. "And I said they're just playing around. I didn't know what to say."
"I'm making sure they're safe inside the house, always. Madalang lang naman si Lilah doon. I talked to Dette too and I told her na everything's fine. Kinukuha ko sa bahay madalas para isama sa kambal para hindi makita sina Mama."
"I just hope this will end, Kuya," malungkot kong sabi at tumango si Kuya sa akin at hinawi ang buhok ko.
"It will, I'm hoping." Kuya sighed. "May result na raw si Tito Zeij sa pangalawang DNA, he'll announce it later in the meeting."
"Did Delilah know about this?" I asked and he shook his head at me.
"I made sure she didn't know. Sinabi kong kakausapin ko siya kapag magpapa-test na para 'di maghinala. Don't worry." He smiled and I noticed the dark circles on his eyes kaya nag-alala ako.
"Kuya, natutulog ka pa ba?"
"Yeah, I just failed to rest these days. You know Papa's a mess, lahat ng flight niya ako ang sumalo. He won't function well and I understand it. He's caging himself in his office if he's not following Mama around." Kwento niya. "I always see him drunk kaya sinasamahan ko na lang uminom. He's always like... Kaia won't talk to me. Kaia didn't want me anymore."
Sabay kaming nagkatawanan ni Kuya.
"He loves Mama so much but what happened is painful for Mama, for us," bigo niyang sabi at inabot ang buhok ko para guluhin. "But everything will be okay, I believe that."
I was nervous when the family meeting came, it was scary because we would know about the truth. As far as I know, hindi alam ni Delilah na ginawa na ang pangalawang DNA, how they got her sample? I think it's from the utensils she used.
Iyon ata ang purpose kaya hinayaan nilangmag-stay sa bahay.
I looked at my family gathering around.
We used to be like this when we have happy family outings and reunions pero ang mga seryosong meeting? Madalang ito, the first time we did this is because of Ate Clyte's disappearance and this is the second time.
I remembered how frustrated we were back then, I remembered how Tita Zid broke down that she even fainted. Our family lawyers won't function that much too because of shock.
Not to mention Ate Crest's devastating case. We were in drenches during those times. Nagsabay-sabay ang lahat.
Hindi man kumpleto ang mga pinsan ko dahil sa trabaho nila, my uncles and aunties are complete today.
I shivered when I saw Tito Iñigo in the middle of the long table where the meeting will take place sa ancestral house. Tito Iñigo's playing with his pen. Tito Zeijan is serious too, walang pagbibiro ang mukha kagaya ng nakasanayan. I saw my Papa Dash staring at my Mama beside Tita Zidney, who's wearing her intimidating red dress sa kabilang side ng lamesa.
It's scary, having that serious look from the siblings. Halatadong seryoso ang pag-uusapan dahil walang nagloloko sa paligid o nagbibiro.
Sina Tita Thallia at Tita Alyx ay katabi ni Tita Zid at Mama sa side. Si Papa ay nasa pagitan ni Tito Zeij at Tito Thorn na katabi si Kuya Zion habang si Kuya Chiel ay mas binabasa sa isang papel doon, nakatungo.
When Kuya Macky knocked on the door. Napalingon ang lahat do'n. I saw Mama wearing her dress. She smiled softly when she saw us kaya lumapit ako at yumakap.
"I love you, Ma," I whispered.
"I love you too, Daru." He reached for Kuya Marcus too to hug him. "I love you, Marcus."
"I love you, Mama." Kuya kissed her head before he lead me back to my seat. Nakatabi ko sina Tita habang si Kuya ay tumabi kay Kuya Chiel.
"So... should we start?" Tito Iñigo's serious voice echoed. We all nodded, waiting for him. "It comes to our attention that Dash had a daughter and it's not Reah's, right?"
Tumango sila at ako'y sumulyap kay Mama nauminom lang ng tubig, hindi matignan si Papa na nakatitig sa kanya.
"And this woman allegedly exposed Darshana's painting, right?" baling sa akin ni Tito kaya tumango ako.
"We don't have evidence po but I'm... I think it's her."
"Zion is checking on it, hija," ani Tito kaya sumulyap ako kay Kuya Zy na ngumisi sa akin.
"I'm tracking it, ganda. Medyo matagal but I'm doing my best. We already sued everyone who harassed and sexualized you on social media, took down all sites who made fun of you and made them pay an ample penalty for the damages. 'Di ba, Chiel?"
Kuya Chiel smirked. "Don't worry about it, I took care of it."
Nangilid ang luha ko sa tuwa at pasasalamat sa tulong nila. "Salamat po, mga Kuya, Tito..." Baling ko sa kanila kaya tumango sila sa akin.
"If ever that woman spread that out of hate for Darshana," ani Tita Zidney. "And ran after Kuya Dash after a while, isn't it fishy?"
"Zidney's right," Tito Zeij agreed. "After all these years, kung anak siya ni Dash, why just now? And if she didn't want any harm in this family, why would she do that to her sister, Darshana, if ever?"
"Envy," Tita Thallia said. "Being envious of someone or something could make you think and do the worst, irrational things. We never know."
"That's a possibility, or if not, she may have some issues with your family, with us. I heard it was her you fought last time sa airport?" Tito Thorn asked kaya tumango ako.
"Opo..."
"There must be something in it, if not driven with envy, like what Thallia said. Baka mas malalim, baka may pinanghuhugutan. She tried ruining Daru and Dash's image of each other, right?" Tito asked.
Papa nodded painfully, sighing.
"She said something to my daughter I have never said. She told her na sinabi ko raw na sana siya na lang ang anak ko sa halip na si Darshana." Papa sighed.
"Then, why did you believe her right away, Kuya?" Simangot ni Tita Zidney. "This may be a ploy to ruin your relationship with Ate Kaia."
"I-I don't..." He sighed. "Why would I believe her when I never cheated on my wife? I could never do that. I would never cheat on Kaia. It's just... she told me na anak ko siya noon pa bago pa dumating ang asawa ko sa akin, you know I was a jerk before like Zeijan—"
"Hexcusemeh?" Tito Zeij gasped, dramatically touching his chest. "At bakit ako nadadamay dito?"
"I'm just telling that we're both jerks before, si Kuya Raf lang naman ang matino sa atin, ah?" Papa told him kaya napakunot ang noo ni Tito Zeij at napainom ng tubig.
"Don't tell me may anak ka sa labas, Zeijan Ruias?!" Tita Alyx hissed kaya nabuga ni Tito Zeij ang tubig.
"Misis! I didn't—"
"Yuck! Tumalsik sa akin ang tubig sa bunganga mo, Kuya!" Tita Zid gasped and frowned at him.
"Stop you two, what happened next, Dash?" Tito Iñigo asked.
"She said she's willing for a DNA, doon na ako kinabahan, s'yempre. I panicked and I said yes tapos we had a DNA test in a hospital tapos it's positive na she's my daughter. I didn't know what to do, I panicked. Nablangko ako. Nawala sa sarili. Naisip kong sabihin kaagad sa pamilya kong may gano'n. I don't want to hide it from them—"
"And in the process, hurt your kids and wife?" Tito Zeij frowned.
"Sponsors from Daru's candidacy for Miss Universe backed out, right?" Tita Alyx asked me kaya tumango ako. "Showbiz, right? I had connections and found out someone bribed people to back out from your sponsorship, Darsh."
Umawang ang labi ko. Tumango si Tita.
"We must find out who did that, right?" Tita Alyx smiled at me kaya tumango ako.
"You shouldn't believe people that fast, Dash," Tito Zeijan pointed out. "Isang beses ka lang nagpa-test sa isang ospital pang hindi mo kabisado. We had hospitals around, kay Thorn, oh?"
"I-I'm just... I panicked. A-ayokong masaktan sina Kaia kapag nalaman kong hindi ko naman talaga anak si Delilah. I don't want them to worry about me and know may ganoong nangyari kung nagloloko lang siya at tatakutin lang ako."
Napailing si Tito Zeij at nakita ko ang paghawak ni Tita Zidney kay Mama.
"How about we check the result?" ani Tito Iñigo at bumaling kay Tito Zeij na may hawak na envelope.
"I made the tests twice, different trusted hospitals," ani Tito Zeij. "Kina Tinik na ospital at saka sa ibang alam ko. Let's see."
The moment he opened the envelope, my heart hammered inside my chest. Papa was fidgety, his nervousness was visible in his expression. Tahimik kaming lahat habang tinitignan ang reaksyon ni Tito Zeij na binabasa ang resulta.
He checked the other paper from another hospital and cursed, glancing at Papa.
"W-what is it?" Papa asked, nakita ko ang malalim na paghinga niya.
"Dash..." Tito Zeij said sadly.
"What?" Papa asked, his voice shaky. "I-is it positive? N-na anak ko—"
"Hulaan mo." Tito Zeij frowned.
"Zeijan Ruias, isa!" Tito Iñigo kicked him kaya napangiwi si Tito Zeij at biglang binilot ang hawak na papel at envelope.
"Hindi mo anak si Delilah Vicente!" Tito Zeij hissed and I felt like a lot of weight got out of my chest.
"F-fuck..." Papa Dash cried and I heard my mother sob loudly. Niyakap siya ni Tita Zidney.
"Tae ka, bobo!" Biglang pinalo ni Tito Zeij ang binilot na envelope at papel sa ulo ni Papa. "Uto-uto kang gago ka! Tungaw!"
I began crying too, suminghap ni Papa at mayamaya'y tumayo sa upuan at tumakbo sa umiiyak na si Mama sa pwesto niya.
Tita Zidney moved, drying her tears. Nakita ko kung paano ni Papa tanggalin ang upuan sa tabi ni Mama at walang pagdadalawang-isip na lumuhod sa harapan nito.
"S-sorry, babe..." Papa cried loudly while hugging my Mama's waist. Dinig na dinig ko ang hikbi ni Mama habang nakaluhod si Papa sa harapan niya.
"S-sorry... sorry, l-lagi na lang kita pinapaiyak." Papa cried like a kid.
I sniffed and tried my best to dry my tears, sumulyap sa akin si Tita Thallia at ngumiti bago ako marahang yakapin.
"D-damn you, Dash Rakiel..." Mama cursed.
"S-sorry... sorry..." Papa gasped and hugged her more.
For a few moments, he weeped while kneeling. Si Mama ay nanginginig din pero alam kong nabunutan siya ng tinik sa narinig mula sa kanila.
I saw the envelope na gusot na dahil sa pagpalo ni Tito Zeij kay Papa at nakita ang resulta, it was confirmed. Delilah isn't my sister.
She will never be a Sandejas.
Nakita ko ang pagdukwang ni Papa at paghalik kay Mama, umiiyak pa rin. Muli niyang niyakap nang mahigpit si Mama, humihingi pa rin ng tawad bago naglakad palapit sa 'ming magkapatid at niyakap ako at si Kuya, humihingi rin ng pasensya.
I dried my face, ginulo ni Kuya ang buhok ko at nginitian ako.
"Told you," Kuya muttered.
"T-thanks Kuya Raf," ani Papa kay Tito Iñigo. "T-thanks, Zid, Zeijan-beybe..."
He sniffed like a boy.
"Anong beybe? Hindi na ako marupok sa 'yo, Dash!" Drama ni Tito Zeij kaya napatawa na kami.
"A-anong gusto mo, kiss?" Nguso ni Papa sa kanya pero ngumiwi si Tito Zeij at hinawi ang mukha ng Papa.
"Gwapo tayo pero hindi gago, Dash Rakiel." Tito Zeijan shook his head.
"No one hurts one of my family and gets away with it. No one could hurt my sisters and your wife's one of them... at sinaktan mo siya at ang mga anak mo kaya hindi ka ligtas." Tito said darkly.
"Uh-oh..." Tita Lyx laughed a bit and hugged my Mama. "He's livid, noong nakaraan pa."
"I-I didn't know about the truth—"
"Oh? Kwento mo sa alakdana, Dash." Tito Zeij frowned. "Kuya Raf, Tinik. Hawakan n'yo ang braso niyan!"
"W-what?" I saw Papa lose the color on his face, pale. Tito Iñigo clenched his jaw and stood behind my Papa, holding his hand.
"K-kuya? What? No!" Papa gasped and pulled his hand.
"Ay, kasali ako?" ani Tito Thorn kaya bumaling sa kanya si Tito Zeij.
"Oo, Tinik nga, eh? Paulit-ulit?" Simangot ni Tito Zeij kaya nakangising lumapit si Tito Thorn sa likod ni Papa at hinawakan din ang braso niya.
"Oh, come on..." Tita Zid gasped.
"No one hurts Reah-tot and gets away with it," Tito zeij said darkly at napasinghap ako nang suntukin niya ang pisngi ni papa.
"Gago, lakasan mo Zeijan Ruais!" Tito Iñigo demanded and Papa moved his hand.
"B-babe, inaaway nila ako!" sumbong pa niya kay Mama but Mama shook her head.
"Lakasan mo, Zeij." Mama spat. Tito Zeij smirked and saluted.
"Oks, Reah-tot! With pleasure!" He punched Papa again kaya napasinghap ako.
"Uh, can I punch too?" Biglang baling ni Tito Thorn na nagtaas pa ng kamay doon kaya natahimik kami. "Isa lang?"
"T-Tinik, don't you fucking dare..." Papa cursed pero ngumisi lang si Tito at tumango.
"Go! Go! Go!" he said with a funny tone kaya ngumisi si Tito Thorn, he excitedly left Papa's other arm with Tito Iñigo seizing him and punched my father's cheek with a wide smile.
"Uh, bitin. P'wede isa pa?" Tito Thorn requested kaya napasigaw na si Papa nang tumango si Tito Zeij.
"Mga gago—" His voice faded when Tito Thorn punched his face again and then raised his hand to exclaim yes!
"Jusmiyo, ang pangarap niya..." Tita Zidney gasped kaya napasulyap kami sa kanya, nagtataka sa reaksyon ni Tito Thorn sa pagsuntok kay Papa.
"Pagpasensyahan n'yo na ang Tanders ko..." She laughed awkwardly. "Nasa bucket list niya 'yan."
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